Elevator apparatus

ABSTRACT

In an elevator apparatus, multiple cars are raised and lowered within a hoistway. The cars within the hoistway are adjacent to each other when located at the same height. If at least one of the cars is defined as a first car and a car adjacent to the first car is defined as a second car, the first car includes, in a face facing the second car a recess when projected onto a horizontal plane. At least a part of a car guide shoe is disposed in the recess.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an elevator apparatus in which aplurality of elevator units are disposed in parallel within a hoistway.

BACKGROUND ART

For example, in a conventional elevator apparatus disclosed in JP9-165163 A, a car guide rail is disposed in a space between a car and awall of a hoistway. Further, a counterweight is disposed in a spacebehind the car guide rail within the hoistway. Moreover, a hoistingmachine is disposed in a space in front of the car guide rail within thehoistway.

In the conventional elevator apparatus, however, a space for disposingthe car guide rail between the car and the wall of the hoistway needs tobe secured. This entails an increase in the space for the hoistway.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is made to solve the problem as mentioned above,and has an object of providing an elevator apparatus enabling a furtherreduction in the space for a hoistway.

To this end, according to one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an elevator apparatus comprising: a plurality of cars providedwithin a hoistway so that the plurality of cars are adjacent to oneanother when located at an equal height, the plurality of cars eachbeing raised and lowered within the hoistway; a plurality of car guiderails disposed within the hoistway, for guiding the cars when the carsare raised and lowered; and a plurality of car guide shoes mounted onthe respective cars, for engaging the car guide rails, wherein: when atleast one of the cars is defined as a first car and a car adjacent tothe first car is defined as a second car, the first car has, on avertical projection plane, a recess provided in its side face facing thesecond car; and at least a part of the car guide shoe is disposed in therecess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an essential part of FIG. 1 in an enlargedmanner;

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the elevator apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 2 of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an essential part of FIG. 4 in an enlargedmanner;

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the elevator apparatus of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a safety device of the elevator apparatusof FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 3 of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 4 of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing an example of a mounting structureof a second car guide rail of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing an other example of a mountingstructure of the second car guide rail of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 5 of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 6 of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view showing the elevator apparatus of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 7 of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 8 of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 9 of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedhereinafter with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus (a machine-room-lesselevator) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 isa plan view showing an essential part of FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner.FIG. 3 is a side view showing the elevator apparatus of FIG. 1.

Referring to the figures, first and second elevator units 101 and 102are installed within a hoistway 1. In other words, a hoistway 1 a of thefirst elevator unit 101 and a hoistway 1 b of the second elevator unit102 are connected to each other, thus forming the hoistway 1.

Since the first and second elevator units 101 and 102 are basicallyidentical in construction, the construction of the first elevator unit101 will be mainly described.

First and second car guide rails 2 a and 2 b and first and secondcounterweight guide rails 3 a and 3 b are disposed within the hoistway1. Each of the guide rails 2 a, 2 b, 3 a, and 3 b has a T-shapedcross-section.

A car 4 is raised and lowered within the hoistway 1 while being guidedby the car guide rails 2 a and 2 b. A counterweight 5 is raised andlowered within the hoistway 1 while being guided by the counterweightguide rails 3 a and 3 b.

The car 4 has a car frame (not shown) and a cage 6 supported by the carframe. The cage 6 has a floor portion, a wall portion, and a ceilingportion. The wall portion of the cage 6 has a front face 6 a providedwith a car entrance (not shown), a rear face 6 b facing the front face,a first side face 6 c, and a second side face 6 d facing the first sideface.

On a vertical projection plane (a horizontal cross-section of thehoistway), the first side face 6 c is provided with a first recess 7 a,and the second side face 6 d is provided with a second recess 7 b. Thefirst and second recesses 7 a and 7 b are continuously provided along adirection in which the car 4 is raised and lowered (vertical direction).In other words, the first and second recesses 7 a and 7 b are formedlike grooves.

By providing the first and second recesses 7 a and 7 b, a few slightprojections are formed in the cage 6. However, these projections are notlarge enough to affect the passenger capacity of the elevator apparatus.

A first car guide shoe 20 a engaging the first car guide rail 2 a is atleast partially disposed in the first recess 7 a. A second car guideshoe 20 b engaging the second car guide rail 2 b is at least partiallydisposed in the second recess 7 b. In this example, the car guide shoes20 a and 20 b are entirely accommodated in the recesses 7 a and 7 brespectively.

Thus, the dimension between the car guide shoes 20 a and 20 b is smallerthan the dimension between the first and second side faces 6 c and 6 d,except the dimension between the recesses 7 a and 7 b.

The car guide shoes 20 a and 20 b are not particularly limited in type.For instance, sliding guide shoes, roller guide shoes, magnetic guideshoes, or the like can be used. It is desirable that 80% or more of thecar guide shoes 20 a and 20 b be accommodated within the recesses 7 aand 7 b as seen in their cross-sections, respectively.

Further, on the vertical projection plane, the car guide rails 2 a and 2b are at least partially disposed within the recesses 7 a and 7 brespectively. The car guide rails 2 a and 2 b are disposed facing therecesses 7 a and 7 b respectively.

The first and second recesses 7 a and 7 b are provided at the sameposition in the depth direction of the cage 6. The car guide rails 2 aand 2 b face each other. In other words, on the vertical projectionplane, centerlines of the car guide rails 2 a and 2 b are parallel toeach other and located on the same straight line.

When the counterweight 5 is located at the same height as the car 4, itis disposed behind the car 4 so as to face the rear face 6 b.

First and second rope connecting portions 8 a and 8 b are provided in alower portion of the car 4. The first and second rope connectingportions 8 a and 8 b slightly project from the first and second sidefaces 6 c and 6 d respectively on the vertical projection plane.Further, on the vertical projection plane, the first and second ropeconnecting portions 8 a and 8 b are disposed symmetrically orsubstantially symmetrically with respect to the center of gravity of thecar 4.

In addition, the first rope connecting portion 8 a is disposed in frontof the first car guide rail 2 a in the depth direction of the car 4. Thesecond rope connecting portion 8 b is disposed behind the second carguide rail 2 b in the depth direction of the car 4.

A support frame 9 (FIG. 3) is installed in an upper portion of thehoistway 1. The support frame 9 is at least partially supported by thecar guide rails 2 a and 2 b and the counterweight guide rails 3 a and 3b. Alternatively, the support frame 9 may be supported by a supportportion provided to a building.

The support frame 9 supports a drive device (hoisting machine) 10 thatgenerates a driving force for raising and lowering the car 4 and thecounterweight 5. The drive device 10 has a drive device main body 11including a motor and a brake, and a drive sheave 12 rotated by thedrive device main body 11.

In this example, the drive sheave 12 is disposed on the drive devicemain body 11. Further, the drive sheave 12 is directly driven by themotor of the drive device main body 11 without the intervention of adecelerating mechanism.

Further, the drive device 10 is disposed horizontally (or substantiallyhorizontally) such that a rotating shaft of the drive sheave 12 extendsvertically (or substantially vertically). Employed as the drive device10 is a thin hoisting machine having an axial dimension that is smallerthan an outer diameter dimension in a direction perpendicular to theaxial direction.

Moreover, the drive device 10 is entirely or substantially entirelysuperimposed on the car 4 on the vertical projection plane. In otherwords, the drive device 10 is disposed directly above the car 4.

A main rope group 13 for suspending the car 4 and the counterweight 5within the hoistway 1 is wound around the drive sheave 12. The main ropegroup 13 includes a plurality of first main ropes 14 (only one of whichis shown in the figure) and a plurality of second main ropes 15 (onlyone of which is shown in the figure).

The car 4 and the counterweight 5 are suspended according to a 1:1roping method by means of the main rope group 13.

Each first main rope 14 has a first end portion 14 a connected to thefirst rope connecting portion 8 a, and a second end portion 14 bconnected to an upper portion of the counterweight 5. Each second mainrope 15 has a third end portion 15 a connected to the second ropeconnecting portion 8 b, and a fourth end portion 15 b connected to theupper portion of the counterweight 5.

A first pulley 16 for guiding the first main rope 14 to the first ropeconnecting portion 8 a, a second pulley 17 for guiding the second mainrope 15 to the second rope connecting portion 8 b, a third pulley 18 forguiding the first and second main ropes 14 and 15 to the counterweight5, and a deflection pulley 19 for guiding the first main rope 14extending from the drive sheave 12 to the first pulley 16 are mounted onthe support frame 9.

The first pulley 16 is disposed directly above the first rope connectingportion 8 a. The second pulley 17 is disposed directly above the secondrope connecting portion 8 b.

The first to third pulleys 16 to 18 are disposed such that theirrotating shafts extend horizontally. The deflection pulley 19 isdisposed such that its rotating shaft extends vertically (orsubstantially vertically).

The drive device 10 and the pulleys 16 to 19 are mounted on the commonsupport frame 9 and unitized. Further, it is also appropriate toconstruct the drive devices 10 and the pulleys 16 to 19 of the first andsecond elevator units 101 and 102 as a single unit, using the supportframe 9 common to the first and second elevator units 101 and 102.

If it is assumed that F0 denotes an inter-car suspension pitch (adimension between the first end portion 14 a and the third end portion15 a in the width direction of the car 4), that G1 denotes an inter-carguide rail rear face pitch (a dimension between the rear faces of thecar guide rails 2 a and 2 b in the width direction of the car 4), andthat El denotes an inter-guide shoe pitch (a dimension between the carguide shoes 20 a and 20 b in the width direction of the car 4), itfollows that F0≧G>E1.

A safety device 22 (FIG. 3) for bringing the car 4 to an emergency stopwhen the elevator undergoes an abnormality such as an overspeed ismounted on a lower portion of the car 4. The safety device 22 may be amechanical device operating through the transmission of a mechanicaloperating force or an electric device having an actuator that operatesin response to an electric actuation signal.

On the vertical projection plane, the safety device 22 is at leastpartially disposed in the recesses 7 a and 7 b. In this example, thesafety device 22 has an engaging portion for engaging the car guiderails 2 a and 2 b, and this engaging portion is entirely accommodated inthe recesses 7 a and 7 b.

The first and second elevator units 101 and 102 are each constructed asdescribed above.

Given that the car 4 of the first elevator unit 101 is a first car 4 aand that the car 4 of the second elevator unit 102 is a second car 4 b,the first and second cars 4 a and 4 b are so provided within thehoistway 1 as to be adjacent to each other when they are located at thesame height. In other words, the first and second cars 4 a and 4 b areprovided side by side so as not to overlap with each other on a planecross section of the hoistway 1.

On the vertical projection plane, the second recess 7 b of the first car4 a is provided in the side face 6 d of the first car 4 a which facesthe second car 4 b, and the first recess 7 a of the second car 4 b isprovided in the side face 6 c of the second car 4 b which faces thefirst car 4 a.

Further, on the vertical projection plane, the second recess 7 b of thefirst car 4 a and the first recess 7 a of the second car 4 b face eachother. In other words, the second recess 7 b of the first car 4 a andthe first recess 7 a of the second car 4 b are disposed at the sameposition in the depth direction of the first and second cars 4 a and 4b.

A rear face of the first car guide rail 2 a of the second elevator unit102 faces a rear face of the second car guide rail 2 b of the firstelevator unit 101. On the vertical projection plane, a guide railsupport pillar 71 is erected in a space surrounded by the second recess7 b of the first car 4 a and the first recess 7 a of the second car 4 b.

The second car guide rail 2 b of the first elevator unit 101 and thefirst car guide rail 2 a of the second elevator unit 102 are mounted tothe guide rail support pillar 71. The guide rail support pillar 71 isrigid enough to support the car guide rails 2 a and 2 b.

The other guide rails 2 a, 2 b, 3 a, and 3 b are fixed to the wall ofthe hoistway through rail brackets (not shown).

A clearance between the second rope connecting portion 8 b of the firstcar 4 a and the first side face 6 c of the second car 4 b, and aclearance between the first rope connecting portion 8 a of the secondcar 4 b and the second side face 6 d of the first car 4 a are minimizedso that no interference occurs when the first and second cars 4 a and 4b pass each other.

Further, the clearance between the second rope connecting portion 8 b ofthe first car 4 a and the first side face 6 c of the second car 4 b, andthe clearance between the first rope connecting portion 8 a of thesecond car 4 b and the second side face 6 d of the first car 4 a aresmaller than the dimensions of the car guide rails 2 a and 2 b in thewidth direction of the car 4.

In the elevator apparatus constructed as described above, since the carguide shoes 20 a and 20 b and the car guide rails 2 a and 2 b aredisposed in the recesses 7 a and 7 b provided in the cage 6, theinstallation space for the elevator apparatus in the width direction ofthe car 4 can be reduced. As a result, the space for the hoistway canfurther be reduced.

In particular, in an elevator apparatus having such a construction thatthe first and second elevator units 101 and 102 are disposed in parallelwithin the hoistway 1, the clearance between the first and secondelevator units 101 and 102 can be set to a minimum required value, sothat the space for the hoistway can be effectively reduced.

Further, since the recesses 7 a and 7 b of the first and second cars 4 aand 4 b that are adjacent to each other are disposed at the sameposition in the depth direction of the car 4, the common guide railsupport pillar 71 can support the car guide rails 2 a and 2 b locatedbetween the first and second cars 4 a and 4 b. This makes it possible toachieve structural simplification and a further reduction in theinstallation space for the elevator apparatus.

Furthermore, since F0≧G1, the space for the hoistway can be moreeffectively reduced. By the same token, since F0>E1, the space for thehoistway can be more effectively reduced.

In particular, if a decrease in the cross-sectional area of the hoistway1 resulting from the provision of the recesses 7 a and 7 b is largerthan a decrease in the cross-sectional area of the cage 6 resulting fromthe provision of the recesses 7 a and 7 b, the space for the hoistwaycan be more effectively reduced.

Further, since the safety device 22 is at least partially disposed inthe recesses 7 a and 7 b, the safety device 22 can be prevented fromprotruding from the car 4, so that the installation space for theelevator apparatus in the width direction of the car 4 can be reduced.As a result, the space for the hoistway can further be reduced.

In Embodiment 1, the car guide rails 2 a and 2 b are disposed at thesame position in the depth direction of the car 4. However, the carguide rails may be disposed offset from each other in the depthdirection of the car 4.

Further, in Embodiment 1, both the first and second cars 4 a and 4 b areprovided with the recesses 7 a and 7 b respectively. However, only oneof the first and second cars may be provided with a recess. In thiscase, for example, only the first car may be provided with a recess, andthat the car guide shoe of the first car, the car guide rail of thefirst car, and the car guide rail of the second car may be at leastpartially disposed in the recess. In addition, it is also possible todispose the car guide shoe of the second car at least partially in therecess of the first car.

Embodiment 2

Next, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus(machine-room-less elevator) according to Embodiment 2 of the presentinvention. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an essential part of FIG. 4 inan enlarged manner. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the elevator apparatusof FIG. 4.

Referring to the figures, a first recess 21 a is provided in a cornerportion between the front face 6 a and the first side face 6 c of thecage 6. A second recess 21 b is provided in a corner portion between therear face 6 b and the second side face 6 d of the cage 6. A third recess21 c is provided in a corner portion between the rear face 6 b and thefirst side face 6 c of the cage 6. A fourth recess 21 d is provided in acorner portion between the front face 6 a and the second side face 6 dof the cage 6.

The recesses 21 a to 21 d are so formed as to chamfer the four cornersof the rectangular cage 6 on the vertical projection plane. In otherwords, the recesses 21 a to 21 d can also be referred to as chamferedportions, notched corner portions, or notched cross-section portions. Abottom face (chamfered face) of the first recess 21 a and a bottom faceof the second recess 21 b are parallel or substantially parallel to eachother. A bottom face of the third recess 21 c and a bottom face of thefourth recess 21 d are parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

The recesses 21 a to 21 d are continuously provided along the directionin which the car 4 is raised and lowered (vertical direction).

The first car guide shoe 20 a engaging the first car guide rail 2 a isat least partially disposed in the first recess 21 a. The second carguide shoe 20 b engaging the second car guide rail 2 b is at leastpartially disposed in the second recess 21 b. In this example, the carguide shoes 20 a and 20 b are entirely accommodated in the recesses 21 aand 21 b respectively.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 5, the first car guide shoe 20 a isdisposed substantially inside a triangular area (within the first recess21 a) that is surrounded by an extended straight line of the front face6 a, an extended straight line of the first side face 6 c, and thebottom face of the first recess 21 a, on the vertical projection plane.Further, the second car guide shoe 20 b is substantially disposed insidea triangular area (within the second recess 21 b) that is surrounded byan extended straight line of the rear face 6 b, an extended straightline of the second side face 6 d, and the bottom face of the secondrecess 21 b, on the vertical projection plane.

It is desirable that the car guide shoes 20 a and 20 b be so disposed asto be accommodated in the recesses 21 a and 21 b respectively by 80% ormore as seen in their cross-sections.

Further, on the vertical projection plane, the car guide rails 2 a and 2b are at least partially disposed in the recesses 21 a and 21 brespectively. The car guide rails 2 a and 2 b, which face each other,face the bottom faces of the first and second recesses 21 a and 21 brespectively. In other words, on the vertical projection plane, thecenterlines of the car guide rails 2 a and 2 b are parallel to eachother and located on the same straight line (a diagonal line of the cage6).

As shown in FIG. 7, on the vertical projection plane, the safety device22 is at least partially disposed in the recesses 21 a and 21 b. In thisexample, the safety device 22 has an engaging portion for engaging thecar guide rails 2 a and 2 b, and this engaging portion is entirelyaccommodated in the recesses 21 a and 21 b.

The guide rails 2 a, 2 b, 3 a, and 3 b are fixed to the wall of thehoistway through the rail brackets (not shown). Embodiment 2 issubstantially the same as Embodiment 1 in other constructional details.Further, the first and second elevator units 101 and 102 are basicallyidentical in construction.

In the elevator apparatus constructed as described above, since the carguide shoes 20 a and 20 b and the car guide rails 2 a and 2 b aredisposed in the recesses 21 a and 21 b provided in the cage 6, theinstallation space for the elevator apparatus in the width direction ofthe car 4 can be reduced. As a result, the space for the hoistway canfurther be reduced.

In particular, in an elevator apparatus having such a construction thatthe first and second elevator units 101 and 102 are disposed in parallelwithin the hoistway 1, the clearance between the first and secondelevator units 101 and 102 can be set to a minimum required value, sothat the space for the hoistway can be effectively reduced.

Further, since the car guide shoes 20 a and 20 b and the car guide rails2 a, and 2 b are disposed at diagonal positions of the car 4, theclearance between the car guide rails 2 a and 2 b can be widened, sothat vibrations around a vertical axis of the traveling car 4 aresuppressed. As a result, the car 4 can be stably raised and lowered.Thus, relatively inexpensive sliding guide shoes or the like can beemployed as the car guide shoes 20 a and 20 b, so that cost reduction ismade possible.

In addition, the recesses 21 a to 21 d are provided in the respectivefour corners of the cage 6. Therefore, even when the car 4 and thecounterweight 5 pass each other within the narrow hoistway 1, air can belet out through the recesses 21 a to 21 d. As a result, the generationof impact noise or vibrations at the time when they pass each other canbe suppressed.

Furthermore, since the safety device 22 is at least partially disposedin the recesses 21 a and 21 b, it can be prevented from protruding fromthe car 4. This makes it possible to reduce the installation space forthe elevator apparatus in the width direction of the car 4 and furtherreduce the space for the hoistway.

In this elevator apparatus, since neither the car guide shoes 20 a and20 b nor the car guide rails 2 a and 2 b are disposed between the firstand second cars 4 a and 4 b, the second rope connecting portion 8 b ofthe first car 4 a and the first rope connecting portion 8 a of thesecond car 4 b can be disposed with an overlap amount E in the widthdirection of the car 4. Thus, the clearance between the first and secondcars 4 a and 4 b can be made smaller than the double of a protrudingamount of the rope connecting portions 8 a and 8 b from the side faces 6c and 6 d (δ×2 in the figure).

Embodiment 3

Next, FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 3 of the present invention. Referring to the figure, thefirst and second rope connecting portions 8 a and 8 b are disposed inthe fourth and third recesses 21 d and 21 c respectively on the verticalprojection plane. Accordingly, the first and second pulleys 16 and 17are disposed above the fourth and third recesses 21 d and 21 crespectively. Thus, the layout of the drive device 10 and the deflectionpulley 19 is also slightly different from that of Embodiment 2.

On the vertical projection plane, the dimension between the first andsecond cars 4 a and 4 b is smaller than the outer diameter dimension ofthe car guide rail 2 a (or 2 b). In other words, the dimension betweenthe first and second cars 4 a and 4 b is small enough to make itimpossible to dispose the car guide rail 2 a (or 2 b). Embodiment 3 issubstantially the same as Embodiment 2 in other constructional details.

In the elevator apparatus constructed as described above, since the ropeconnecting portions 8 a and 8 b are disposed in the recesses 21 d and 21c, the installation space for the elevator apparatus in the widthdirection of the car 4 can further be reduced. As a result, the spacefor the hoistway can further be reduced.

Embodiment 4

Next, FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 4 of the present invention. In this example, on the verticalprojection plane, components of the first and second elevator units 101and 102 are disposed symmetrically with respect to a boundary linebetween the first and second elevator units 101 and 102.

Thus, the second recesses 21 b of the first and second elevator units101 and 102 are adjacent to each other. The second car guide rail 2 band the second counterweight guide rail 3 b of the first elevator unit101, and the second car guide rail 2 b and the first counterweight guiderail 3 a of the second elevator unit 102 are disposed at one location ina concentrated manner.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a mountingstructure of the second car guide rail 2 b of FIG. 9. Since the guiderails 2 b, 3 a, and 3 b are disposed at one location in a concentratedmanner, they can be fixed to a wall 24 of the hoistway by means of acommon bracket 23.

Further, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of amounting structure of the second car guide rail of FIG. 9. As shown inFIG. 11, the guide rails 2 b, 3 a, and 3 b can also be constructed as anintegral unit.

Also in the elevator apparatus constructed as described above, since therope connecting portions 8 a and 8 b are disposed in the recesses 21 dand 21 c, the installation space for the elevator apparatus in the widthdirection of the car 4 can further be reduced. As a result, the spacefor the hoistway can further be reduced.

Further, since the four guide rails 2 b, 3 a, and 3 b are disposed atone location in a concentrated manner, the efficiency of installationcan be enhanced.

In the elevator apparatuses of Embodiments 3 and 4, entrances may beprovided on the first side face 6 c side of the first car 4 a and on thesecond side face 6 d side of the second car 4 b.

Further, in the elevator apparatuses of Embodiments 1 to 4, three ormore elevator units may be installed in parallel in the width directionof the car 4.

Embodiment 5

Next, FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 5 of the present invention. Referring to the figure, thecounterweight 5 (first counterweight) of the first elevator unit 101 isdisposed beside the first car 4 a so that the counterweight 5 faces thefirst side face 6 c of the first car 4 a when it is located at the sameheight as the first car 4 a. Further, the counterweight 5 (secondcounterweight) of the second elevator unit 102 is disposed beside thesecond car 4 b so that the counterweight 5 faces the second side face 6d of the second car 4 b when it is located at the same height as thesecond car 4 b.

Further, on the vertical projection plane, the components of the firstand second elevator units 101 and 102 are disposed symmetrically withrespect to the boundary line between the first and second elevator units101 and 102.

Also in the elevator apparatus of the layout as described above, sincethe car guide shoes 20 a and 20 b and the car guide rails 2 a and 2 bare disposed in the recesses 21 a and 21 b provided in the cage 6, theinstallation space for the elevator apparatus in the width direction ofthe car 4 can be reduced. As a result, the space for the hoistway canfurther be reduced.

In particular, in an elevator apparatus having such a construction thatthe first and second elevator units 101 and 102 are disposed in parallelwithin the hoistway 1, the clearance between the first and secondelevator units 101 and 102 can be set to a minimum required value, sothat the space for the hoistway can be effectively reduced.

Further, since the counterweight 5 is disposed beside the car 4, thedimension in the depth direction (the right and left direction of FIG.12) of the hoistway 1 can be reduced.

Further, since the rope connecting portions 8 a and 8 b are disposed inthe recesses 21 d and 21 c, the installation space for the elevatorapparatus in the width direction of the car 4 can further be reduced. Asa result, the space for the hoistway can further be reduced.

In the elevator apparatus of Embodiment 5, an entrance may also beprovided on the rear face 6 b side.

Embodiment 6

Next, FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a side view showingthe elevator apparatus of FIG. 13.

Referring to the figures, first and second car suspending pulleys 35 aand 35 b are provided in the lower portion of the car 4. The first carsuspending pulley 35 a is so disposed as to be partially located in thefourth recess 21 d on the vertical projection plane. The second carsuspending pulley 35 b is so disposed as to be partially located in thethird recess 21 c on the vertical projection plane.

A counterweight suspending pulley 36 is provided in the upper portion ofthe counterweight 5. The main rope group 13 including a plurality ofmain ropes is wound around the car suspending pulleys 35 a and 35 b andthe counterweight suspending pulley 36.

A car-side return pulley 37 for guiding the main rope group 13 from thedrive sheave 12 to the car suspending pulley 35 b, and acounterweight-side return pulley 38 for guiding the main rope group 13from the drive sheave 12 to the counterweight suspending pulley 36 areprovided in the upper portion of the hoistway 1. The return pulleys 37and 38 have horizontal rotating shafts.

A first end portion (car-side end portion) and a second end portion(counterweight-side end portion) of the main rope group 13 are connectedto the support frame 9. Further, the main rope group 13 is wound,sequentially from the side of the first end portion, around the carsuspending pulleys 35 a and 35 b, the car-side return pulley 37, thedrive sheave 12, the counterweight-side return pulley 38, and thecounterweight suspending pulley 36. That is, in Embodiment 6, the car 4and the counterweight 5 are suspended within the hoistway 1 according toa 2:1 roping method by means of the main rope group 13.

Further, the main rope group 13 partially extends through the third andfourth recesses 21 c and 21 d. Embodiment 6 is substantially the same asEmbodiment 3 in other constructional details. Further, the first andsecond elevator units 101 and 102 are basically identical inconstruction.

Also in the elevator apparatus employing the 2:1 roping method asdescribed above, since the car guide shoes 20 a and 20 b and the carguide rails 2 a and 2 b are disposed in the recesses 21 a and 21 bprovided in the cage 6, the installation space for the elevatorapparatus in the width direction of the car 4 can be reduced. As aresult, the space for the hoistway can further be reduced.

In particular, in an elevator apparatus having such a construction thatthe first and second elevator units 101 and 102 are disposed in parallelwithin the hoistway 1, the clearance between the first and secondelevator units 101 and 102 can be set to a minimum required value, sothat the space for the hoistway can be effectively reduced.

Further, the car suspending pulleys 35 a and 35 b are partially disposedin the recesses 21 d and 21 c respectively on the vertical projectionplane, and the main rope group 13 extends through the recesses 21 d and21 c. This also makes it possible to reduce the installation space forthe elevator apparatus in the width direction of the car 4 and furtherreduce the space for the hoistway.

In the elevator apparatus of Embodiment 6, entrances may also beprovided on the first side face 6 c side of the first car 4 a and on thesecond side face 6 d side of the second car 4 b.

Also, the 2:1 roping method may be adopted in the layouts of all theembodiments.

Embodiment 7

Next, FIG. 15 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 7 of the present invention. Referring to the figure, thefirst and second rope connecting portions 8 a and 8 b are disposed inthe first and second recesses 21 a and 21 b on the vertical projectionplane. Accordingly, the first and second pulleys 16 and 17 are disposedabove the first and second recesses 21 a and 21 b respectively.

The first car guide shoe 20 a engaging the first car guide rail 2 a isat least partially disposed in the third recess 21 c. The second carguide shoe 20 b engaging the second car guide rail 2 b is at leastpartially disposed in the fourth recess 21 d.

Further, on the vertical projection plane, the car guide rails 2 a and 2b are at least partially disposed in the recesses 21 c and 21 drespectively. The car guide rails 2 a and 2 b, which face each other,face the bottom faces of the third and fourth recesses 21 c and 21 drespectively.

The counterweight 5, which is disposed between the first and secondelevator units 101 and 102, is common to the first and second elevatorunits 101 and 102. The counterweight suspending pulley 36 is provided inthe upper portion of the counterweight 5. The main rope group 13 iswound around the counterweight suspending pulley 36.

The main rope group 13 of the first and second elevator units 101 and102 extends continuously. That is, the main rope group 13 extending fromthe drive sheave 12 of the first elevator unit 101 via the third pulley18 and wound around the counterweight suspending pulley 36 extends viathe third pulley 18 of the second elevator unit 102 and is wound aroundthe drive sheave 12 of the second elevator unit 102.

Further, the components of the first and second elevator units 101 and102 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the boundary between thefirst and second elevator units on the vertical projection plane.

In the elevator apparatus constructed as described above, thecounterweight 5 is common to the first and second elevator units 101 and102. In comparison with the elevator apparatus of Embodiment 5,therefore, the dimension of the hoistway 1 in the frontage direction ofthe car 4 can be reduced.

Further, the troublesomeness in installing the counterweight guide rails3 a and 3 b can be alleviated.

Furthermore, since the counterweight 5 is disposed between the first andsecond elevator units 101 and 102, an elevator hall (entrance) can beprovided in any one of the four faces surrounding the hoistway 1. As aresult, the degree of freedom in design can be enhanced.

Embodiment 8

Next, FIG. 16 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 8 of the present invention. Since the first and secondelevator units 101 and 102 are basically identical in construction, theconstruction of the first elevator unit 101 will be mainly described.

First and second drive devices 41 and 44 are provided in an upperportion within the hoistway 1 a . The first drive device 41 has a firstdrive device main body 42 including a motor and a brake, and a firstdrive sheave 43 rotated by the first drive device main body 42. Thesecond drive device 44 has a second drive device main body 45 includinga motor and a brake, and a second drive sheave 46 rotated by the seconddrive device main body 45.

In this example, the drive sheaves 43 and 46 are disposed on the drivedevice main bodies 42 and 45 respectively. Further, the drive devices 41and 44 are disposed horizontally (or substantially horizontally) suchthat rotating shafts of the drive sheaves 43 and 46 extend vertically(or substantially vertically). Furthermore, thin hoisting machineshaving an axial dimension smaller than a radial dimension of the drivesheaves 43 and 46 or a radial dimension of the drive device main bodies42 and 45 are employed as the drive devices 41 and 44.

In addition, the drive devices 41 and 44 entirely or substantiallyentirely overlap each other on the vertical projection plane. That is,the drive devices 41 and 44 are disposed directly above the car 4. Morespecifically, the drive devices 41 and 44 are disposed at the diagonalpositions of the car 4 on the vertical projection plane.

A plurality of first main ropes 14 (only one of which is shown in thefigure) for suspending the car 4 and the counterweight 5 within thehoistway 1 are wound around the first drive sheave 43. A plurality ofsecond main ropes 15 (only one of which is shown in the figure) forsuspending the car 4 and the counterweight 5 within the hoistway 1 arewound around the second drive sheave 46.

The car 4 and the counterweight 5 are suspended according to the 1:1roping method by means of the main ropes 14 and 15.

A first car-side return pulley 47 for guiding the first main ropes 14 tothe first rope connecting portion 8 a, a first counterweight-side returnpulley 48 for guiding the first main ropes 14 to the counterweight 5, adeflection pulley 49 for guiding the first main ropes 14 from the firstdrive sheave 43 to the first counterweight-side return pulley 48, asecond car-side return pulley 50 for guiding the second main ropes 15 tothe second rope connecting portion 8 b, and a second counterweight-sidereturn pulley 51 for guiding the second main ropes 15 to thecounterweight 5 are provided in the upper portion within the hoistway 1a.

The first car-side return pulley 47, the first counterweight-side returnpulley 48, the second car-side return pulley 50, and the secondcounterweight-side return pulley 51 are disposed such that theirrotating shafts extend horizontally. The deflection pulley 49 isdisposed such that its rotating shaft extends vertically orsubstantially vertically.

The portions of the first main ropes 14 between the first drive sheave43 and the first car-side return pulley 47, the portions of the firstmain ropes 14 between the deflection pulley 49 and the firstcounterweight-side return pulley 48, the portions of the second mainropes 15 between the second drive sheave 46 and the second car-sidereturn pulley 50, and the portions of the second main ropes 15 betweenthe second drive sheave 46 and the second counterweight-side returnpulley 51 are parallel to one another and parallel to the depthdirection of the car 4.

A second end portion (counterweight-side end portion) of each first mainrope 14 and a fourth end portion (counterweight-side end portion) ofeach second main rope 15 are spaced apart from each other in the widthdirection of the counterweight 5 and connected to the upper portion ofthe counterweight 5.

In the elevator apparatus constructed as described above, since the car4 and the counterweight 5 are raised and lowered by driving forces ofthe first and second drive devices 41 and 43, a large passenger capacitycan be ensured.

As described above, even in the case where the two drive devices 41 and43 are employed, the car guide shoes 20 a and 20 b and the car guiderails 2 a and 2 b are disposed in the recesses 21 a and 21 b provided inthe cage 6. Thus, the installation space for the elevator apparatus inthe width direction of the car 4 can be reduced. As a result, the spacefor the hoistway can further be reduced.

In particular, in an elevator apparatus having such a construction thatthe first and second elevator units 101 and 102 are disposed in parallelwithin the hoistway 1, the clearance between the first and secondelevator units 101 and 102 can be set to a minimum required value, sothat the space for the hoistway can be effectively reduced.

Further, since the rope connecting portions 8 a and 8 b are disposed inthe recesses 21 d and 21 c, the installation space for the elevatorapparatus in the width direction of the car 4 can further be reduced. Asa result, the space for the hoistway can further be reduced.

Embodiment 9

Next, FIG. 17 is a plan view showing an elevator apparatus according toEmbodiment 9 of the present invention. In this example, two sets of thefirst and second elevator units 101 and 102 shown in Embodiment 5 (FIG.12) are provided. In other words, first to fourth elevator units 101 to104 are provided within the hoistway 1. Front faces 6 a of first tofourth cars 4 a to 4 d are located on sides facing the walls of thehoistway on the vertical projection plane.

The respective elevator units 101 to 104 are identical in constructionto those of Embodiment 5 and thus will not be described below.

In this manner, the elevator units can also be disposed side by side inthe depth direction of the car 4, and the car guide shoes 20 a and 20 band the car guide rails 2 a and 2 b are disposed in the recesses 21 aand 21 b provided in the cage 6. As a result, the space for the hoistwaycan be reduced.

In Embodiment 9, the elevator units according to the layout shown inEmbodiment 5 are disposed side by side in the depth direction of thecar. Instead, however, the elevator units according to the layouts shownin Embodiments 1 to 4 and Embodiments 6 to 8 may be disposed side byside in the depth direction of the car.

Further, in the elevator apparatus shown in Embodiment 9, three or moreelevator units may be installed in parallel in the width direction ofthe car 4.

In the aforementioned examples, the elevator apparatus of the 1:1 ropingmethod and the elevator apparatus of the 2:1 roping method areillustrated. However, the roping method is not limited to these.

Further, in the aforementioned examples, the machine-room-less elevatorhaving the drive device disposed in the hoistway is illustrated.However, the present invention is also applicable to an elevatorapparatus having a machine room in which a drive device and a controlpanel are installed.

Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to reduce the spacefor the hoistway and is therefore particularly advantageous when appliedto an elevator apparatus having a structure in which neither a drivedevice nor a control panel is disposed between a car and a wall of ahoistway.

Still further, in the aforementioned examples, the drive device isdisposed such that the rotating shaft of the drive sheave extendsvertically or substantially vertically. However, the manner ofdisposition of the drive device is not limited to this. For instance,the drive device may be disposed such that the rotating shaft of thedrive sheave extends horizontally.

Further, in the aforementioned examples, the drive device is disposedsuch that the drive sheave is located in the upper portion of the drivedevice main body. Conversely, however, the drive device may also bedisposed such that the drive sheave is located in the lower portion ofthe drive device main body.

Furthermore, in the aforementioned examples, the drive device isdisposed in the upper portion of the hoistway. However, the position ofthe drive device is not limited to this. For instance, the drive devicemay also be disposed in the lower portion within the hoistway. Further,the present invention is also applicable to a self-propelled elevatorapparatus having a drive device mounted in an upper or lower portion ofa car.

Still further, for example, ropes having a circular cross-section,belt-type ropes, or the like can be employed as the main ropes.

Further, for example, steel ropes, resin-coated ropes having an outerlayer coating member made of a high-friction resin material provided onan outer periphery portion, or the like can be employed as the mainropes. The use of resin-coated ropes makes it possible to ensure a largetraction force at a small contact angle. Further, the resin-coated ropescan enhance flexibility more than simple steel ropes and thus reduce therequisite diameter of the drive sheave.

In addition, the components (drive device, return pulley, deflectionpulley, and the like) disposed in the upper portion within the hoistway1 may be unitized by being mounted on a common support frame.

Still further, in the aforementioned examples, all the car guide shoesare disposed in the recesses. However, only the car guide shoes on oneside may be disposed in the recesses.

1. An elevator apparatus comprising: a plurality of cars located withina hoistway so that the plurality of cars are adjacent to one anotherwhen located at equal height, the plurality of cars each being raisedand lowered within the hoistway; a plurality of car guide rails disposedwithin the hoistway, for guiding the cars when the cars are raised andlowered; and a plurality of car guide shoes mounted on the respectivecars, for engaging the car guide rails, wherein, at least one of thecars is defined as a first car and a car adjacent to the first car isdefined as a second car, each of the first and second cars has a firstpair of chamfered sides perpendicular to a diagonal line in a horizontalplane and passing through the respective car, the first car includes asecond pair of the chamfered sides, each of the first and second pairsof chamfered sides being perpendicular to a respective one of twointersecting diagonals of the first car in the horizontal plane andpassing through the first car; the car guide shoes and the car guiderails are disposed at the diagonally opposite first pair of thechamfered sides; and rope connecting portions to which main ropes forsuspending the first car are connected are disposed at the diagonallyopposite second pair of the chamfered sides.
 2. The elevator apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the car guide shoes of a respective carare disposed substantially inside a region surrounded by a straight lineextending along at least one of a front face and a rear face of the car,and a straight line extending along a side face of the car, whenprojected onto the horizontal plane.
 3. The elevator apparatus accordingto claim 1, comprising a first elevator unit including the first car anda second elevator unit including the second car, wherein the firstelevator unit and the second elevator unit have their respectivecomponents disposed symmetrically about an axis when projected onto thehorizontal plane.
 4. The elevator apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the first pair of the chamfered sides extends continuously alonga direction in which the car is raised and lowered.
 5. The elevatorapparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in cross-section, at least 80%of each of the car guide shoes is accommodated in a respective chamferedside.
 6. The elevator apparatus according to claim 1, including: acounterweight disposed between the first car and the second car whenprojected onto the horizontal plane; a counterweight suspending pulley;and a main rope for suspending the first car and a main rope forsuspending the second car, connected to each other and wound around thecounterweight suspending pulley to suspend the counterweight.
 7. Theelevator apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a firstcounterweight located within the hoistway so that the firstcounterweight is adjacent a rear face of the first car when the firstcar and the first counterweight are at equal height, the firstcounterweight being raised and lowered within the hoistway, and a secondcounterweight located within the hoistway so that the secondcounterweight is adjacent a rear face of the second car when the secondcar and the second counterweight are at equal height, the secondcounterweight being raised and lowered within the hoistway.
 8. Anelevator apparatus comprising: a plurality of cars located within ahoistway so that the plurality of cars are adjacent to one another whenlocated at equal height, the plurality of cars each being raised andlowered within the hoistway; a plurality of car guide rails disposedwithin the hoistway, for guiding the cars when the cars are raised andlowered; and a plurality of car guide shoes mounted on the respectivecars, for engaging the car guide rails, wherein, at least one of thecars is defined as a first car and a car adjacent to the first car isdefined as a second car, each of the first and second cars has a firstpair of chamfered sides perpendicular to a diagonal line in a horizontalplane and passing through the respective car, the first car includes, ina lower portion, a first car suspending pulley and a second carsuspending pulley; a main rope for suspending the first car is woundaround the first car suspending pulley and the second car suspendingpulley; the first car includes a second pair of the chamfered sides,each of the first and second pairs of chamfered sides beingperpendicular to a respective one of two intersecting diagonals of thefirst car in the horizontal plane and passing through the first car; thecar guide shoes and the car guide rails are disposed at the diagonallyopposite first pair of the chamfered sides; and the first car suspendingpulley and the second car suspending pulley are partially disposed atthe diagonally opposite second pair of the chamfered sides.